Device for facilitating interchangeability of pool applicances for above ground pools

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a device for facilitating the quick exchange of one pool appliance for another. The device includes a housing, which spans the opening in the upstanding wall of an above ground pool. The opening is typically used by existing above ground pools for water intake and outlet, filtering, water leveling and the like. On the interior side of the pool, the waterside, the housing includes a quick release receptacle adapted to fit a variety of pool appliances. The receptacle includes means to conduct electricity usable for such pool appliances. On the exterior side of the pool, the housing includes an adapter designed to accept a pool power head. The power head connects to a residential or similar power source and is converted to a usable power supply for pool appliances. The receptacle allows exchange of appliances to be made even while the connective portion of the appliance is underwater.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to application Ser. No. 12/843,624, (our file JHUI1953) filed by co inventor, Wing-kin HUI, for A Power Head for Above Ground Pools, filed on Jul. 26, 2010. This application is specifically incorporated herein and is to be used for any and all purposes consistent with incorporation by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the field of automated pool products. More particularly, this invention relates to above ground pools having a facility for a return water flow head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to properly operate and maintain a pool and its contents, it is necessary to have a variety of electrical appliances. For example, a pool cleaner, which sweeps and cleans the pool water, requires electrical power. Additional electrical appliances, such as salt chlorinator generators and mineral sanitizing devices are used to maintain the proper pH levels in the pool.

Other electrical appliances are used to enhance the usability and the beauty of the swimming pool. For example, pool lights used to illuminate the pool at night to facilitate night swimming are powered by electricity. Additionally, a color wheel may be used as decoration to give the pool the special effects desired by the pool owner. Such a color wheel is likewise an electrical appliance.

Typically, the user now runs electrical lines or cords from the domestic residence to the site of the pool. This naturally would mean that electrical cords are spread out all over the area adjacent the pool. Naturally this is not a desirable condition. This condition is exacerbated when there is more than a single cord from the domestic residence to more than one electrical appliance. The likelihood of someone being injured by tripping on the cords increases exponentially. Obviously this creates a safety hazard and liability issues for the pool owner.

In addition to the likelihood of injury, the beauty and general attractiveness of the user's yard is dramatically and negatively affected by the messiness of having one or more cords lying around. It is quite clearly an unsightly and undesirable condition.

Additionally, each of the cords must be placed in storage after usage. First, the user must lay out the cord and then the user connects the cord to the electrical appliance desired to be used. The cords lay on the ground during usage and then upon completion of device usage, they must be disconnected from the electrical appliance and then stored.

Cleary having to do each of these steps, each and every time an electrical appliance is used becomes tiresome, if not downright tedious. There are certainly better ways for a pool owner to spend his/her time, for example enjoying his/her pool.

What is needed is the ability to exchange one pool appliance with the other easily. This means without have to drain the pool or substantial portions of the pool. Clearly, have to remove and then add water after draining is both expensive and time consuming.

Ideally, what is sought is the ability to make the exchange of one appliance for another without affecting the level of the pool in any way. This may mean that the exchange would need to take place underwater. Quick clearly, a new design for interconnection between pool power head and pool appliance would be required.

What is needed is a structure that allows the above ground pool user the ability to easily and efficiently connect one or more electrical appliances to a pool power head without affecting the level of the water. The exchange must be able to be made quickly and simply without requiring a pool owner to completely redesign his pool or his pool appliances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of this invention is to create a user-friendly environment for exchanging on appliance for another in an above ground pool environment. By providing a receptacle member having quick release means for facilitating the quick exchange on the waterside or the interior of the above ground pool, a user can easily change one appliance for another without affecting the water level.

Thus, It is an object of the device in accordance with this invention is to provide a structure for facilitating the quick exchange of one pool appliance for another in an above ground pool environment.

It is another object of this invention to provide a device, which includes structure to allow a power head to be connected to such a device.

It s an additional object of this invention to provide such a device which releasably connects to a variety of different pool appliances for an above ground pool.

It s an additional object of this invention to provide such a device which releasably connects to a variety of different pool appliances for an above ground pool even where the connection to the appliance is made underwater and where the water level is not affected by the exchange of devices.

In accordance with the above objects of the invention as well as those discussed below as well as the advantages of the invention, one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, includes, a device for facilitating the exchange of pool appliances for an above ground pool, the above ground pool have a pool wall separating the wet side from the dry side the device comprising:

a housing adapted for location proximate the pool wall, a portion of the housing extending into the dry side and a portion extending into the wet side

the portion of the housing extending into the dry side adapted to receive means for powering electrical pool appliances, the housing including means for transmitting electrical power from the dry side to the wet side;

the portion on the wet side defining a receptacle member and the receptacle member adapted to releasably accept various pool appliances requiring electrical power, and

structural means for fixing the housing on the pool wall.

In other exemplary embodiments, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater.

In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater using a snap connection.

In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacle is adapted to exchange the pool appliance underwater using a snap connection and additionally designed for quick release of the pool appliance.

It is an advantage of the device in accordance with this invention to provide a convenient means for exchanging one pool appliance for another.

It is an additional advantage of the device of the instant invention to provide such a device, which allows the user exchange one pool appliance for another underwater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an above ground pool in the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the interior portion of the housing having the receptacle member.

FIGS. 3 & 4 illustrate in perspective view the exterior portion of housing on the dry side of an above ground pool, in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 5 &6 illustrate attachment of one pool appliance, namely a light assembly to the receptacle in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates attachment of another pool appliance, namely a water feature to the receptacle in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background. Most importantly, the structure herein for resolving the long felt need to be able to quickly exchange one appliance for another, even under water in an above ground pool environment.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, there is shown an above ground swimming pool. As seen, a pool wall 10 surrounds and encloses the pool defining an interior for holding the water 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1, pool wall 10 has an opening 14 defining an outlet and a second opening 16 defining an intake. A pump 18 includes conduit 20 between the intake and outlet. A power head 22 such as that described in application Ser. No. 12/843,524, is connected to the pump 18. The power head 22 is connected to the residential power or A/C. The power head 22 converts the residential power into usable electrical power for various pool appliances.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 50 is shown generally in FIGS. 2-6. As seen the device 50 resides between the interior and exterior of the pool. In more advanced above ground pools, there is one opening in the pool wall and that serves as both the inlet and the outlet. In this embodiment, the device spans the interior and exterior of the pool and on the dry side includes connection to the power head and on the wet side includes a receptacle 50 for facilitating quick exchange of various electrical pool appliances, even under water.

The device 50, as shown in FIG. 2, illustrates the interior portion of the device connected to the pool wall 10. The device 50 includes a housing 52. On the interior side of the pool wall 10 when the housing 52 is connected. FIG. 2 illustrates the housing 52 having the receptacle member 54 in accordance with this invention.

The housing 52 has a central opening 56, which in Fig. would span either the intake or outlet. In the more advanced above ground pool design, it would be the single opening in the pool wall 10. The opening 56 defines a water channel. Water flows in and out of the water channel through the intake and outlet. Using structure and methods already known in the art, the dry side stays dry and the interior or pool side is freely submerged in the water. The receptacle member 54 does not interfere with the ability of the housing to carry out this function.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the exterior of the housing 52. As noted above, the housing extends from the pool or interior or wet side through the pool wall opening and terminating at the dry side or exterior of the pool. On the exterior of the pool, the housing includes a power head adapter 58 sized and shaped for compatible mating fit with a pool power head of the kind earlier described with respect to application Ser. No. 12/843,624. The adapter 58 includes electrical connectors 60, which electrically engage the power head electrical connectors.

The housing 52 also includes a nut fitting 62 and a washer 64 as well as a sleeve member 66. The housing 52 includes threaded member 68, which is inserted through the nut fitting 62 and washer 64. The threaded member 68 mates compatibly by threading with the nut fitting 62.

The interior portion of the housing 52 similarly includes electrical connectors 70. Additionally, the interior portion of the housing 52 includes a threaded member 72. As can be seen in FIG. 3, each end of the sleeve member 66 is likewise threaded and is compatible with threaded mating connection of each of the threaded members 68 and 72, respectively.

The electrical connectors 70 are male and the exterior electrical connectors have a matching female members (not shown). Upon threaded each of the threaded members 68 and 72 to the sleeve member 66, a push fit electrical contact is made between the male electrical connectors 70 and the female portion of the electrical connectors 60. Electrical connection is thereby carried from the residence through the power head, converted to usable power and made available at the electrical connectors 60. Through connection of the exterior portion of the housing 52 to the interior portion and the electrical connectors 72, usable electrical power is made available to a pool appliance at the receptacle 54 by connection thereto.

After connection of the interior and exterior portions of the housing 52 through the sleeve member 66, the housing must be affixed in a semi-permanent position on the pool wall 10 at the pool opening. By rotating nut-fitting member 62 in the direction indicated in FIG. 4, the housing is at least semi-permanently connected to the pool wall 10.

In another embodiment of the device 50 in accordance with this invention, the sleeve member 66 has no threads whatsoever. The interior and exterior portions of the housing 52, each have a central opening. The exterior circumference of the sleeve member 66 matches the interior circumference of the central openings of each of the interior and exterior portions in such a manner as to create a force fit between the portions of the housing 52. The portions are aligned, including the electrical connectors 60 and 72 (FIG. 3), and then force is applied to each portion, urging them against one another until a secure fit is made. As in the earlier described embodiment, the nut fitting 62 is then rotated is the manner shown in FIG. 4 until a semi-permanent connection is made.

FIGS. 5 & 6 illustrate a pool appliance, namely a lighting fixture, generally denoted by the numeral 90, being connected to the receptacle member 54 in accordance with the present invention. The lighting fixture 90 is of the type discussed in Applicant's previously filed application, namely, application Ser. No. 13/013,459, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

The lighting fixture 90 has an electrical connector 92, which mates with a force fit into the previous described electrical connection. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle 54 includes no electrical connectors. The receptacle 54, simply has an opening, which permits the electrical connectors 92 to directly engage and be electrically conductive with exterior portion electrical connectors 60.

After aligning the light fixture 90 with the receptacle 54, the components are pressed together into mating contact. Upon achieving mating contact, as seen in FIG. 6, the components are rotated for a locking fit as described earlier with respect to FIG. 4.

With respect to FIG. 7, there is shown another appliance, namely, a water feature apparatus, generally shown by the numeral 100, attached to the receptacle 54 in accordance with the invention. The water feature 100 snaps into the receptacle 54 in a manner discussed above.

First, the appliance already on the receptacle 54 is removed. This is done by reversing the twist shown in FIGS. 4 & 6 and the pulling the appliance from the receptacle, so as not to damage the electrical connections. As stated above, the act of removing and adding an appliance to the receptacle 54 is done either dry or wet. The pool water does not need to be removed or lowered in order to accomplish the exchange.

Once the earlier appliance is remove, the water feature 100 or whatever appliance desired, can be connected to the receptacle 54. Of course, the water feature 100 attaches to the device, generally shown by the numeral 50, in the manner described earlier and are similarly removed.

With respect to FIG. 8, there is shown an additional appliance attached to the device 50 of the invention, a water game, generally denoted by the numeral 120. The water game 120 includes an electrical motor 122, which is connected to the device 50 using the electrical contacts of the device 50. Thus, electrical power is supplied to this appliance by device 50.

The motor is connected to a rod 124, which rotates consistently with the rotation of the electrical motor 122. A game 120 including a wheel 126 and a paddle 128. Through a series of gears, such as those shown in FIG. 9, the wheel 126 rotates, while paddle contact engages and disengages the electrical motor depending upon contact.

With respect to FIG. 9, there is shown another appliance connected to the device 50, a current creating device, generally denoted by the numeral 130. The current creating device 130 includes a set of gears 132 for converting the rotation energy of the motor 124 into rotational energy of the rod 124. The current creating device 130 includes a fan 134 also rotationally connected to the rod 124. The gears 132 incrementally turn the wheel 126. The gears 132 are likewise connected to the shutter member 138, which depending upon the position of the switch 140.

The rotational action of the fan, together with the up and down movement of the shutter member creates currents and wave that are tailored to the user's desire. The waveform and current are regulated and customized by the speed and period and frequency of the shutter member 138 and the fan 134.

With respect to FIG. 10, there is shown an additional appliance, an induction coil member, generally denoted by the numeral 140. The induction coil member 140 attaches to member 50 (not shown in FIG. 10). An induction circuit is created by the induction coil 142. A cleaner 150 is powered by the induction circuit. The cleaner 150 includes a male member 152 for insertion and connection with the induction coil 142.

Thus, the inclusion of the induction member 140 allows the cleaner 150 to be connected with the induction circuit and thereby be powered by it. Thus, using the device 50, the appliance connected is a induction-powered pool cleaner.

While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the power head for an above ground pool in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below. 

1. A device for facilitating the interchangeability of various electrical pool components for use in an above ground pool, the above ground pool have a pool wall separating the wet side from the dry side, the device comprising: a housing adapted for location proximate the pool wall, a portion of the housing extending into the dry side and a portion extending into the wet side the portion of the housing extending into the dry side adapted to receive means for powering electrical pool appliances, the housing including means for transmitting electrical power from the dry side to the wet side; the portion on the wet side defining a receptacle member and the receptacle member adapted to releasably accept various pool appliances requiring electrical power, and structural means for fixing the housing on the pool wall.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted to exchange pool appliances underwater.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for snap connection with each pool appliance and adapted to make the exchange of each pool appliance underwater.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for snap connection with each pool appliance and adapted to make the exchange of each pool appliance underwater and additionally the receptacle is designed for quick release of each pool appliance.
 5. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing is adapted for connection to a pool power head, which is adapted for, connected to domestic A/C power.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the housing is adapted for releasable connection to a pool power head.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the housing is adapted to transmit electrical from the power head through the housing and adapted for electrical connection with a pool appliance upon connection to the receptacle.
 8. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for receiving a light assembly.
 9. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for receiving a water feature.
 10. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for receiving a water game.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for receiving a water current creating appliance.
 12. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is adapted for receiving a induction circuit member for powering induction appliances. 